Bundee Aki and James Ryan pen new IRFU deals
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Ireland internationals Bundee Aki and James Ryan have signed new IRFU central contracts.
Aki has signed a new one-year contract extension and will remain in Ireland with Connacht until the end of the 2025/26 season, while Ryan will remain at Leinster until the end of the 2027/28 campaign.
Aki's deal brings an end to speculation on his future in both the green of Connacht and Ireland, with the 34-year-old previously linked to a move to Top 14 outfit Toulon.
The pair are the latest internationals to put pen-to-paper on a new deal in recent days, with first-choice props Tadhg Furlong and Andrew Porter both committing their future to Irish rugby.
Since making his debut against South Africa in 2017, Aki has won 60 Test caps in green and most recently featured in three of Ireland's Autumn Nations Series matches
The New Zealand-born centre has won three Six Nations titles with Ireland, including two Grand Slams, and in 2023 was nominated for the World Rugby Men's XVs player of the year award.
Aki has made 142 appearances for Connacht since his arrival in Galway in 2014, helping the Province to Pro12 title success in 2016.
"I am delighted to extend my contract with the IRFU and am excited about competing for Ireland and Connacht for the coming seasons," Aki said.
"I love playing rugby in Ireland and believe that this is the right environment for me to progress as a player. I would like to thank the IRFU for their support and I’m excited for what the future holds in green in the years ahead."
Ryan has been an influential figure for both club and country over the last seven seasons, winning 67 Test caps in green and making 89 appearances for Leinster.
Ryan has also won three Six Nations titles with Ireland and four Pro12/Pro14 titles and a European Champions Cup crown with Leinster.
Ryan said: "I am delighted to sign a new contract with Leinster and commit my long-term future to the IRFU. Playing in ambitious set-ups is a big driver for me personally and I know how committed everyone in Irish Rugby is to work hard and achieve success.
"It is a privilege to play for my home province and my country and, with the talent coming through the Academy systems, I am excited about what the future holds in blue and green."
IRFU performance director, David Humphreys, added, firstly on Aki: "Bundee has displayed a consistently high level of performance for club and country in recent years and we are delighted to extend his deal.
"We believe that Bundee has a lot more to offer on the field and has a big role in helping to develop the next batch of exciting youngsters out west in Connacht and within the wider Ireland panel."
And on Ryan, he said: "James has been a mainstay of the Leinster and Ireland engine rooms over the last number of seasons, and it is a huge boost for both teams that he will continue his rugby career in Ireland.
"James has displayed consistency and talent for many years which, allied to his leadership skills, means that Ireland has successfully retained another important player within our system.
"We believe that James’ best years are ahead of him and look forward to watching him progress in the seasons to come."